UN appeals for 'return to civilian order' in Thailand

United Nations, May 23: Expressing serious concern over the military takeover in Thailand, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon has appealed for "a prompt return to civilian order" in the Asian country.

"The secretary-general is seriously concerned by the military takeover in Thailand," Xinhua quoted a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman, the second one pertaining to the country in the past 72 hours.

According to reports, the Thai military Thursday sized control of the country following months of unrest and widespread protests in the capital Bangkok and other parts of the nation.

Popular demonstrations began in late 2013, with calls for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration and implementation of anti-corruption reforms.

The military declared martial law two days ago. On May 7, Yingluck reportedly was removed from government after a ruling by the Thai Constitutional Court.